For Immediate Release Media Contact: Beth Wenger
May 29, 2010 [email protected]
(301) 461-2278
KEEN Greater DC Celebrates 18 Years and 18 Programs
at 9th Annual Sports Festival
To celebrate 18 years of making exercise fun and free for young people with disabilities, KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) will host its annual Sports Festival on June 6 from 11 am – 3 pm at Hadley’s Park in Potomac, Md. KEEN, a volunteer-led, non profit organization, provides 18 recreational programs to more than 280 young people with significant physical and developmental disabilities in the Greater Washington, DC, area. The June 6th KEEN Sports Festival will bring together more than 500 KEEN “athletes” from its Montgomery County, Md.; Washington, DC; and Fairfax County, Va., programs and their families, volunteers, and community leaders for the event. Among them will be Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, who shares KEEN’s commitment to children and young adults with disabilities and became an Honorary Board Member in 2009.
Like at KEEN’s programs, the Sports Festival pairs KEEN “athletes” with volunteer “coaches” for recreational fun that include kickball, volleyball, running through an inflatable obstacle course, and much more. The day concludes with the traditional KEEN “tug of war,” and then “prouds” to all athletes.
“Sports Festival is the highlight of the year for our KEEN athletes and their families,” KEEN Executive Director Beata Okulska said. “It’s the one time each year we can bring our entire KEEN community together.”
This year, Potomac Pizza, DrinkMore Water, and Whole Foods will provide refreshments and lunch for Sports Festival attendees.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring together so many KEEN families, volunteers, and supporters,” said Burt Braverman, president of the KEEN Greater DC Board of Directors. “KEEN sponsors make this event possible, and we’re very grateful for their support.”
For more information on KEEN Greater DC and the Sports Festival, visit http://www.keengreaterdc.org/ or e-mail [email protected]
About KEEN Greater DC
KEEN Greater DC is the founding affiliate of a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with significant developmental and physical disabilities.
What is unique about KEEN Greater DC?
1. KEEN Greater DC accepts every child regardless of the nature or severity of his/her disability.
2. All KEEN Greater DC programs are run and managed by committed volunteers.
3. KEEN Greater DC’s programs are completely free of charge to the athletes and their families.
KEEN Greater DC serves individuals with such diverse disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various other developmental and physical disabilities. Because KEEN Greater DC’s activities are noncompetitive and inclusive, we offer opportunities for athletes who have not been able to access or find happiness in other programs. A Board of Directors comprised of parents, volunteers, and members of the community directs KEEN Greater DC’s operations. KEEN Greater DC’s recreational activities — which include tennis, swimming, basketball, kick-ball, fitness and weight training, music, and social activities and outings — are provided free-of-charge.
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